AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES MELANOMA AWARENESS MONTH

NEW YORK, May 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- As a part of a robust national campaign, American Skin Association (ASA) is pleased to join with all those supporting skin health to celebrate Melanoma Awareness Month this May.

For almost forty years, ASA's mission has been to advance research into skin disorders and promote skin health through education and public awareness of how to maintain healthy skin. As the weather heats up and UV exposure increases, it is more important than ever to take action to protect yourself from melanoma and other skin cancers.

The rate of melanoma has been rising for the past 30 years. The number of cases of melanoma worldwide is increasing faster than any other malignancy. It now ranks as the fifth most common cancer in men and in women. Each hour, someone dies from melanoma. Although it is most commonly found in Caucasian males over age 50, it can occur at any age and on any skin tone. About one in 50 people in the United States will develop melanoma in their lifetime.

This campaign stresses the importance of sun safety, reminding everyone to protect their skin while enjoying the outdoors. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the nation, with almost 5.5 million cases diagnosed in Americans each year — more than breast, colon, lung, and prostate cancers combined. In fact, 1 out of every 5 Americans will be diagnosed with some form of skin cancer in their lifetime.

"Every Melanoma Awareness Month, we are reminded how important it is to prioritize skin health and sun safety to protect against the devastating impacts of cancer," says ASA Chairman Howard P. Milstein. "We are proud to join other esteemed organizations this month to get this life-saving message front and center."

Skin cancer is highly preventable. Over 90% of all skin cancer is caused by exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or indoor tanning devices. Americans can dramatically reduce their risk of skin cancer by:

• Avoiding sunburns and tanning — no tan is a safe tan,
• Generously applying sunscreen (and remembering to reapply every two hours),
• Wearing sun-protective clothing,
• Seeking shade during peak times of the day (typically 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.), and
• Using extra caution near water, snow, and sand.

ABOUT AMERICAN SKIN ASSOCIATION

A unique collaboration of patients, families, advocates, physicians and scientists, ASA has evolved over nearly four decades as a leading force in efforts to defeat melanoma, skin cancer and other skin diseases. Established as a 501(c)(3) organization to serve the now more than 100 million Americans — one-third of the U.S. population — afflicted with skin disorders, the organization's mission remains to: advance research, champion skin health — particularly among children, and drive public awareness about skin disease. For more information, visit americanskin.org.

American Skin Association has earned Candid's 2025 Platinum Seal of Transparency and the Four-Star Rating from Charity Navigator.

SOURCE American Skin Association